Method for installing a liquid quality system

ABSTRACT

A method for installing a liquid quality system into a containment structure, wherein the liquid quality system includes a liquid quality device and at least one drag-inducing assembly, wherein the at least one drag-inducing assembly includes at least one supporting portion and at least one drag-inducing portion, wherein when the liquid quality device is installed a sump region is formed below, is provided. The method may include mounting, at least partially in the sump region, the at least one supporting portion onto a sidewall of the containment structure. The method may also include attaching the at least one drag-inducing portion to the at least one supporting portion. The method may also include mounting the liquid quality device in the containment structure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/193,580 filed on Nov. 16, 2018, which will issue as U.S. Pat. No.11,041,301 on Jun. 22, 2021, which claims priority to U.S. Pat. Appl.Ser. No. 62/587,849 filed on Nov. 17, 2017, both of which are hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Generally, this application relates to a method for assembling a stormwater runoff system for removing sediment, debris, pollutants, and/ortotal suspended solids (all or some of which can be herein referred toas “particulates”) from a liquid, such as storm-water runoff.

Water runoff management (e.g., water generated by a rainfall) may be achallenging issue for landowners or municipalities. Not only does theflow of water have to be managed in order to reduce the risk offlooding, but particulates in the water should also be reduced, becausesuch particulates reach rivers, ponds, lakes, or the ocean. Therefore,improved techniques of reducing particulates in water runoff aredesired.

SUMMARY

According to certain inventive techniques, A method for installing aliquid quality system into a containment structure, wherein the liquidquality system includes a liquid quality device and at least onedrag-inducing assembly, wherein the at least one drag-inducing assemblyincludes at least one supporting portion and at least one drag-inducingportion, wherein when the liquid quality device is installed a sumpregion is formed below, is disclosed. The method may include mounting,at least partially in the sump region, the at least one supportingportion onto a sidewall of the containment structure. The method mayalso include attaching the at least one drag-inducing portion to the atleast one supporting portion. The method may further include mountingthe liquid quality device in the containment structure.

In some embodiments, the at least one supporting portion may comprise alower supporting portion and an upper supporting portion, and the lowersupporting portion may be mounted onto the sidewall of the containmentstructure before the upper supporting portion is mounted onto thesidewall of the containment structure. In other embodiments, the lowersupporting portion may include a lower region and an upper region, andthe upper supporting portion may include a lower region and an upperregion, and the method may further comprise: positioning the lowerregion of the lower supporting portion onto a base of the containmentstructure; and mounting the lower region of the upper supporting portionto the upper region of the lower supporting portion.

In some embodiments, the method may include attaching a cap including aflange to an upper region of the supporting portion; and positioning theliquid quality device onto the flange. The method may further includeapplying adhesive to secure the liquid quality device to the sidewall ofthe containment structure and the drag-inducing assembly.

In some embodiments, the at least one drag-inducing portion may comprisemetal. In another embodiment, the at least one drag-inducing portion maycomprise a plurality of drag-inducing portions constructed from a singlepiece of sheet metal. The method may further include: cutting the pieceof sheet metal into a pattern comprising a plurality of arms; andbending each of the plurality of arms to from a plurality ofdrag-inducing portions. In some embodiments, the plurality ofdrag-inducing portions may comprise an inner bend, an inner arm portion,an outer bend, and an outer arm portion, wherein the inner bend andinner arm portion are proximate to a spine portion, and the outer bendand outer arm portion are distal from the spine portion.

In some embodiments, said attaching the at least one drag-inducingportion to the at least one supporting portion further may comprisesliding the at least one drag-inducing portion along the supportingportion until the at least one drag-inducing portion contacts a stoppingportion and is locked in place by a locking portion, thereby placing theat least one drag-inducing portion into a predetermined position.

According to certain inventive techniques, A method for installing aliquid quality system into a containment structure, wherein the liquidquality system includes a liquid quality device and plurality ofdrag-inducing assemblies, wherein the plurality of drag-inducingassemblies includes at least one supporting portion and at least onedrag-inducing portion, wherein when the liquid quality device isinstalled a sump region is formed below, is disclosed. The method mayinclude mounting, at least partially in the sump region, the at leastone supporting portion of each of the plurality of drag-inducingassemblies onto a sidewall of the containment structure. The method mayalso include, attaching the at least one drag-inducing portion of eachof the plurality of drag-inducing assemblies to the at least onesupporting portion. The method may further include mounting the liquidquality device in the containment structure.

In some embodiments, the at least one supporting portion may comprise alower supporting portion and an upper supporting portion, and the lowersupporting portion may be mounted onto the sidewall of the containmentstructure before the upper supporting portion is mounted onto thesidewall of the containment structure. In other embodiments, the lowersupporting portion may include a lower region and an upper region, andthe upper supporting portion may include a lower region and an upperregion, and the method may further comprise: positioning the lowerregion of the lower supporting portion onto a base of the containmentstructure; and mounting the lower region of the upper supporting portionto the upper region of the lower supporting portion.

In some embodiments, the method may include attaching a cap including aflange to an upper region of the supporting portion; and positioning theliquid quality device onto the flange. The method may further includeapplying adhesive to secure the liquid quality device to the sidewall ofthe containment structure and the drag-inducing assembly.

In some embodiments, the at least one drag-inducing portion may comprisemetal. In another embodiment, the at least one drag-inducing portion maycomprise a plurality of drag-inducing portions made from a single pieceof sheet metal. The method may further comprise cutting the piece ofsheet metal into a pattern comprising a plurality of arms; and bendingeach of the plurality of arms to from a plurality of drag-inducingportions. In some embodiments, the plurality drag-inducing portions maycomprise an inner bend, an inner arm portion, an outer bend, and anouter arm portion, wherein the inner bend and inner arm portion areproximate to a spine portion, and the outer bend and outer arm portionare distal from the spine portion.

In some embodiments, said attaching the at least one drag-inducingportion of each of the plurality of drag-inducing assemblies to the atleast one supporting portion may comprise sliding the at least onedrag-inducing portion along the supporting portion until the at leastone drag-inducing portion contacts a stopping portion and is locked inplace by a locking portion, thereby placing the at least onedrag-inducing portion into a predetermined position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of liquid quality device,according to certain inventive techniques.

FIG. 2 illustrates an elevational view, partially cross-sectioned, of aliquid quality device in a containment structure, according to certaininventive techniques.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a liquid quality device in acontainment structure with an inline arrangement, according to certaininventive techniques.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a liquid quality device in acontainment structure with an offline arrangement, according to certaininventive techniques.

FIG. 5A illustrates a sequence showing how fluid flows through a liquidquality device in a containment structure, according to certaininventive techniques.

FIG. 5B illustrates a sequence showing how particulates are separatedfrom a liquid by use of a liquid quality device in a containmentstructure, according to certain inventive techniques.

FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of a liquid quality device,according to certain inventive techniques.

FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective and exploded view of a liquid qualitydevice, according to certain inventive techniques.

FIG. 6C illustrates a top view of a liquid quality device, according tocertain inventive techniques.

FIG. 6D illustrates an elevational view of a liquid quality device,according to certain inventive techniques.

FIG. 7 illustrates a liquid quality device, according to certaininventive techniques.

FIG. 8 illustrates liquid quality system including a plurality ofdrag-inducing portions attached to a supporting portion, according tocertain inventive techniques.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the liquid quality systemincluding a plurality of drag-inducing portions taken along line 9-9 inFIG. 8 , according to certain inventive techniques.

FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom-plan view of the liquid quality systemincluding a plurality of drag-inducing portions according to certaininventive techniques.

FIG. 11 illustrates perspective views of a plurality of drag-inducingportions according to certain inventive techniques.

FIG. 12 illustrates perspective views of a plurality of drag-inducingportions according to certain inventive techniques.

FIG. 13 illustrates a metal sheet pattern blank before it is folded intoa plurality of drag-inducing portions according to certain inventivetechniques.

FIG. 14 illustrates a metal sheet pattern blank before it is folded intoa plurality of drag-inducing portions according to certain inventivetechniques.

FIG. 15 illustrates perspectives view of a plurality of drag-inducingportions attached to a supporting portion according to certain inventivetechniques.

FIG. 16 illustrates perspective views of a plurality of drag-inducingportions attached to a supporting portion according to certain inventivetechniques.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating example steps for installing liquidquality system including a liquid quality device and at least onedrag-inducing assembly into a containment structure, wherein the atleast one drag-inducing assembly includes at least one supportingportion and at least one drag-inducing portion, wherein when the liquidquality device is installed a sump region is formed below.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example step in the method showing a containmentstructure according to certain inventive techniques.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example step in the method showing a containmentstructure with plurality of lower supporting portions installedaccording to certain inventive techniques.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example step in the method showing a containmentstructure with plurality of lower supporting portions and a plurality ofupper supporting portions installed according to certain inventivetechniques.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example step in the method showing a containmentstructure with plurality of lower supporting portions, a plurality ofupper supporting portions, and a plurality of drag-inducing portionsinstalled according to certain inventive techniques.

FIG. 22 illustrates an example step in the method showing a containmentstructure with plurality of lower supporting portions, a plurality ofupper supporting portions, a plurality of drag-inducing portions, and aplurality of caps installed according to certain inventive techniques.

FIG. 23 illustrates an example step in the method showing a containmentstructure with plurality of lower supporting portions, a plurality ofupper supporting portions, a plurality of drag-inducing portions, aplurality of caps, and a liquid quality device installed according tocertain inventive techniques.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofcertain techniques of the present application, will be better understoodwhen read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes ofillustration, certain techniques are shown in the drawings. It should beunderstood, however, that the claims are not limited to the arrangementsand instrumentality shown in the attached drawings. Furthermore, theappearance shown in the drawings is one of many ornamental appearancesthat can be employed to achieve the stated functions of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Parts Listing: Number Description 100 liquid quality device 110partitioning portion 111 first region 112 sump inlet aperture 113 secondregion 114 sump outlet aperture 120 weir 200 containment structure 205sidewall 210 base 220 inlet 230 outlet 240 sump region 500 pattern blank501 spine 502 inner bending line 503 arm  502a first inner bending line 502b second inner bending line 504 outer bending line  504a first outerbending line  504b second outer bending line  504c third outer bendingline 506 t-shaped pattern 507 aperture 700 liquid quality device 710partitioning portion 711 first region 712 sump inlet aperture 713 secondregion 714 sump outlet aperture 720 weir 721 aperture 730 clean-outriser 800 liquid quality system 801 liquid quality device 802drag-inducing assembly 810 partitioning portion 811 first region 812sump inlet aperture 813 second region 814 sump outlet aperture 820 weir850 drag-inducing portion  850a first drag-inducing portion  850b seconddrag-inducing portion  850c third drag-inducing portion 851 spine 852inner bend  852a first inner bend  852b second inner bend 853 inner armportion  853a first inner arm portion  853b second inner arm portion 853c third inner arm portion 854 outer bend  854a first outer bend 854b second outer bend  854c third outer bend 855 outer arm portion 855a first outer bend  855b second outer bend  855c third outer bend856 t-shaped connecting portion 860 supporting portion  860a firstsupporting portion  860b second supporting portion  860c thirdsupporting portion  860d fourth supporting portion 861 lower supportingportion 862 upper supporting portion 863 fastener 864 stopping portion865 locking portion 866 cap 867 aperture 868 flange

A liquid quality system may be used to reduce particulates in liquidrunoff (e.g., storm-water runoff). Some liquid quality system may inducea vortex in the liquid, causing suspended particulates to settle on theoutside of the vortex, thereby separating the liquid from theparticulates. However, if the velocity of the vortex is too great, theliquid flow may be very turbulent. Moreover, if the velocity of liquidflow is too great in the vortex, the settled particulates may be mixedback up into the liquid (resuspension). The combination of turbulenceand resuspension may thus reduce the effectiveness of the liquid qualitydevice.

According to the techniques disclosed herein, an inventive liquidquality system may be better adapted to remove particulates by reducingthe speed of the vortex and creating a long laminar liquid flow path. Byforcing smooth direction changes in the flow path and directing theliquid flow away from the outlet, the overall length of the flow pathmay increase. Additionally, by subjecting the vortex to drag, thevelocities within the vortex may decrease. These techniques may improvethe effectiveness of the liquid quality device, and will be described ingreater detail below.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a liquid quality device 100,according to certain inventive techniques. The liquid quality device 100includes a partitioning portion 110 and a weir 120. The partitioningportion 110 may have a first region 111 and a second region 113, whichmay be separated by the weir 120. The partitioning portion 110 may beone integrated piece, or formed from separate pieces (e.g., the firstregion 111, the second region 113, the funnel (e.g., vortex-inducingregion), etc.) The partitioning portion 110 and/or the weir 120 mayinclude a material such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Thepartitioning portion 110 and weir 120 may be one integrated piece or maybe separate pieces.

The weir 120 may completely (or partially) separate the first region 111from the second region 113. As can be seen, the weir 120 may have acurvature along a horizontal dimension, and this curvature may beconcave when viewed from the first region 111. The curvature may beconstant, or may have a curve with a varying radius as shown. Forexample, the depicted curvature has shorter radiuses at the edges andone or more longer radiuses in the center. Such a varying-radius designmay facilitate the creation of a relatively smooth transition betweenthe weir 120 and the sidewall of a tubular portion (e.g., a containmentstructure) in which the liquid quality device 100 is inserted (the“tubular portion” is discussed below). Tubular means to have across-sectional profile that can be round, oval, square, hexagonal,octagonal, or other some other shape. Such a varying curvature mayassist in reducing turbulence (which may negatively impact theefficiency of the liquid quality device 100 to remove particulates).Alternatively, there may be no curvature, or there may be convexcurvature in the weir 120, as viewed from the first region 111.

The first region 111 may include a funnel (vortex-inducing region) and asump inlet aperture 112 as depicted in FIG. 1 . The funnel may bedesigned to increase the length of time that the flow remains in thefunnel and thus in a vortex. That in conjunction with the decreasingradius helps to maximize particulate separation. The second region 113may include a sump outlet aperture 114. The second region 113 may have agenerally flat profile in the horizontal dimension.

The size of the apertures 112 and/or 114 may be determined by using thefollowing equation:Q=C _(d) A√{square root over (2gh)}Where Q=flow rate in cubic feet per second;C_(d)=is the coefficient of discharge;A=area of the aperture in square feet;g=is the acceleration of gravity (32.2 ft./second²); andh=the head in feet acting on the aperture.

FIG. 2 illustrates an elevational view, partially cross-sectioned, ofthe liquid quality device 100 in a containment structure 200 (e.g., amanhole), according to certain inventive techniques. The containmentstructure 200 may include a base 210, an inlet 220, and an outlet 230.Any one of the base 210, the inlet 220, and/or the outlet 230 may beintegrated into the body of the containment structure 200, or they maybe separate pieces that work or connect together to achieve thefunctions described herein.

The area between the liquid quality device 100 and the base 210 may be asump region 240. As will be described in further detail with respect toFIG. 5 , liquid may flow into the containment structure 200 through theinlet 220 and then into the sump region 240, thereby passing through theliquid quality device 100. The liquid may exit the sump region 240through the liquid quality device 100 and then exit the containmentstructure 200 through the outlet 230.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the liquid quality device 100 in thecontainment structure 200 with an inline arrangement of the inlet 220and outlet 230, according to certain inventive techniques. In thisarrangement, liquid enters the containment structure 200 on one sidethrough the inlet 220 and exits on the other side through the outlet230. FIG. 4 illustrates an offline arrangement, where liquid enters andexits on the same side of the containment structure 200. Otherarrangements are possible, such as liquid entering and exiting thecontainment structure 200 at right angles or oblique angles.

FIG. 5A illustrates a sequence showing how liquid flows through theliquid quality device 100 in the containment structure 200, according tocertain inventive techniques. At step A, liquid (which has suspendedparticulates) may enter the containment structure 200 through the inlet220. The liquid enters the containment structure 200 at a location abovethe liquid quality device 100, and more particularly above the firstregion 111. During lower liquid volume flow (e.g., the first flush), theliquid is inhibited from flowing into the second region 113 by the weir120.

At step B, the funnel of the liquid quality device 100 together with theweir 120 induces the liquid into a vortex. At step C, the liquid passesthrough the liquid quality device 100 via sump inlet aperture 112 andinto the sump region 240 (e.g., the area in the containment structure200 between the liquid quality device 100 and the base 210). At step D,the liquid propagates into the sump region 240 in the general directionshown by the arrows. Once the liquid passes into the sump region 240,the vortex action may be reduced through detention time and energylosses. This may allow smaller pollutants that were not removed throughthe cyclonic action of the vortex in the funnel to settle out of theliquid.

At step E, the liquid exits the sump region 240 through the sump outletaperture 113. The liquid is now above the second region 113, and theweir 120 inhibits the liquid from flowing back into the first region111. At step F, the liquid exits the containment structure 200 throughoutlet 230.

As the liquid level above the first region 111 rises, it will begin to,at step G, overtop the weir 120 and flow into an area above the secondregion 113. This liquid then exits the containment structure 200 throughthe outlet 230, thereby bypassing the vortex-inducing steps. Theoverflowing liquid does not pass through the sump region 240, andtherefore treatment is bypassed. By allowing a portion of the increasedliquid flow to avoid the treatment area in the sump region 240, liquidflow velocities in the sump region 240 will be reduced. Consequently,there will be less of a problem with settled particulates being mixedback up with the liquid.

After the event, the settled particulates can be cleaned out througheither the sump inlet aperture 112, the sump outlet aperture 114, or anadditional aperture (not shown) in the liquid quality device 100. Forexample, a tube can be inserted through one or more of these apertures,and a vacuum can be applied through the tube.

FIG. 5B illustrates a sequence showing how particulates are separatedfrom a liquid by use of the liquid quality device 100 (depicted withoutthe weir 120 for clarity in the illustration) in the containmentstructure 200, according to certain inventive techniques. As depicted, avortex formed in the funnel region of the liquid quality device 100pushes some of the relatively heavier particulates to the edges of thevortex (near the sides of the funnel) via a centrifugal force. Theseparticles will then drop through the sump inlet aperture 112 into thesump region 240, landing on the base 210.

Relatively lighter particulates will enter the sump region 240 and becarried upwards by the liquid flow. As these particulates are carriedupward in the sump region 240, the liquid flow loses velocity. Thisallows these relatively lighter particulates to fall out of the liquidflow and onto the bottom of the sump region 240.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate additional detail of optional details and/orfeatures for the liquid quality device 100, according to certaininventive techniques. FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of theliquid quality device 100. FIG. 6B depicts an exploded view of thedevice 100. FIG. 6C shows a top view of the device. FIG. 6D illustratesan elevational view of the device 100.

With reference particularly to FIG. 63 , it can be seen that thepartitioning portion 110 may have a groove sized and shaped to receivethe weir 120. The grove may allow for proper and consistent placement ofthe weir 120 and may facilitate the weir 120 to be attached to thepartitioning portion 110 through welding or fastening. The outer rim ofthe partitioning portion 110 may have a staircase profile with two ormore levels, whereby the lower level(s) have larger radiuses than thehigher level(s). This design may allow for convenient modifications fortreatment flow rates by providing guides for different aperture sizes.Each of the sump inlet aperture 112 and/or sump outlet aperture 114 mayalso have a staircase profile with two or more levels, whereby a lowerlevel of a given aperture may be narrower than an upper level. Thisallows for simple modifications for treatment flow rates by providingguides for different aperture sizes. The sump inlet aperture 112 alsomay have a flute (see FIG. 6D for a fuller profile of the flute) thatextends downwardly from the funnel of the partitioning portion 110.

Exemplary dimensions of the liquid quality device 100 are as follows.The partitioning portion 110 may have an outer diameter of approximately47″. The weir 120 may have a height of approximately 16″. The widestdiameter of the funnel along the longest horizontal axis may beapproximately 34.39″. The height of the funnel may be approximately2125″. The groove may be approximately 2″ deep.

The smallest level of the staircase profile in the sump inlet aperture112 may be approximately 8″ in diameter. The widest aperture of the sumpinlet aperture 112 may be approximately 10″ in diameter. Similarly, thesmallest level of the staircase profile in the sump outlet aperture 114may be approximately 8″ in diameter, while the widest may beapproximately 10″ in diameter. It may be possible to choose which sizeapertures 112, 114 are to be used on site or in a factory or facility.For example, narrow apertures (e.g., 8″ apertures) may be used forrelatively lower flow applications (e.g., 0.6 cubic feet per second).Optionally, the narrower levels (e.g., 8″ apertures) the may be removed,thereby leaving a wider levels (e.g., 10″ apertures). The widerapertures may be used for relatively higher flow applications (e.g., 1.0cubic feet per second). The narrower level(s) may be removed with aknife or saw, thereby leaving the wider level(s).

The liquid quality device 100 may not have different levels. It may bemanufactured to have different dimensions (e.g., different aperture 112,114 sizes) in accordance with the principles discussed above.

FIG. 7 illustrates a liquid quality device 700 with an alternativedesign and/or optional features, according to certain inventivetechniques. Similar to the one described above, the liquid qualitydevice includes a partitioning portion 710 and a weir 720. Thepartitioning portion 710 may have a first region 711 and a second region713, which may be separated by the weir 720. The weir 720 may completely(or partially) separate the first region 711 from the second region 713.The first region 711 may include a funnel and a sump inlet aperture 712as depicted in FIG. 7 . The second region 713 may include a sump outletaperture 714. The second region 713 may have a generally flat profile inthe horizontal dimension.

The liquid quality device 700 may also include a clean-out riser 730that extends upwardly from an additional aperture (not visible in thefigure because it is underneath the riser 730, but may be termed a sumpaccess aperture) in the second region 713. A vacuum may be applied tothe clean-out riser 730 to remove settled particulates from the sumpregion 240.

The weir 720 may also have an aperture 721 (e.g., having a rectangularshape). The aperture size and location may be selected to allow anincreased flow rate that falls between the design treatment rate andultimate flow rate (approximately 3×the treatment flow rate) to passthrough the aperture 721 without overtopping the entire weir 720. Thedesign treatment rate may be the flow rate of liquid that is intended topass through the unit and receive treatment for the removal ofparticulates. The ultimate flow rate may be the total flow rate of theliquid that can pass through the unit (rate that receives treatment andrate that overtops the weir combined) without overflowing from thetubular structure. By not overtopping the weir 720, this may assist incontainment of large debris and force it into the sump region 240.

As the flow rates in the liquid quality device 700 approach the ultimateflow rate (again, approximately 3×the treatment flow rate) theadditional liquid volume will overtop the weir 720 and exit the device700. As this point the influent is typically considered to havesubstantially reduced levels of particulates, and therefore in no needfor treatment. By allowing the flows to overtop the weir 720, this alsohelps reduce velocities in the sump region 240 which in turn helps toreduce the re-suspension of the previously collected particulates.

FIGS. 8-12 illustrate a liquid quality system 800 with an alternativedesign and/or optional features, according to certain inventivetechniques. The liquid quality system 800 may include a liquid qualitydevice 801, similar to the ones described above. The liquid qualitydevice 801 may generally comprise, as described above, a partitioningportion 810 and a weir 820. The partitioning portion 810 may have afirst region 811 and a second region 813, which may be separated by theweir 820. The liquid quality system may include containment structure200, which may include a base 210, an inlet 220, and an outlet 230. Anyone of the base 210, the inlet 220, and/or the outlet 230 may beintegrated into the body of the containment structure 200, or they maybe separate pieces that work or connect together to achieve thefunctions described herein. The liquid quality device 801 may bepositioned in a containment structure 200.

The liquid quality system 800 may have a vertical central vertical axis(not shown), that runs the primary (longer) length of the system,including through the sump region 240, where a primary axial dimensionruns parallel to, or along the central axis. The liquid quality system800 may also include at least one drag-inducing portion(s) 850 and atleast one supporting portion(s) 860.

As discussed above, inducing a vortex in the liquid within a liquidquality system 800, may assist in removing particulates from the liquid.However, if the liquid flow velocity and/or turbulence in the vortex inthe sump region 240 are too great, the settled particulates may be mixedback up into the liquid, thus reducing the effectiveness of the liquidquality system. The introduction of drag-inducing portion(s) 850 mayassist in reducing the liquid flow velocity and/or turbulence in vortexin the sump region 240.

The drag-inducing portion(s) 850 may require a certain flow-rate tobegin affecting the flow of the liquid in the sump region 240. At lowerflow rates the funnel may create a vortex in first region 811, causingliquid to flow through the sump inlet orifice 812 and shoot straightdown into the sump region 240. As the flow rate increases, so does therotational energy of the liquid. Thus, at higher flow rates, the vortexinduced by the funnel in the first region 811 may have enough rotationalenergy to create a vortex in the sump region 240 after the water passesthrough the sump inlet orifice 812. Such a vortex in the sump region 240may have strong turbulence. The liquid flow velocity and/or theturbulence of the vortex in the sump region 240 may increase as the flowrate increases.

By controlling the liquid flow velocities and/or vortex in the sumpregion 240, the filtering of particulates may be positively affected. Asa result of a relatively high flow rate, the turbulent vortex may pickup already settled particulates from the floor of the sump region 240.Thus, one aspect of the present disclosure is to reduce suchresuspension, also called “scour effect,” of settled particulates in thesump region 240 by transforming the turbulent flow of the vortex into acontrolled and increasingly laminar flow.

Aside from a relatively high liquid flow velocity, liquid turbulencewithin the vortex may affect the behavior of the liquid flow and mayalso influence the settling characteristics of particulates in the flow.Generally, the greater the liquid turbulence and liquid flow velocity inthe sump region 240, the more difficult it may be for particulates tosettle, and the easier it may be for resuspension of particles to occur.Therefore, it may be desirable to create a longer, more laminar flowpath to increase the amount of time which liquid remains in the sumpregion 240, thereby providing sufficient time for particulates to settleat the base 210 of the sump region 240. Thus, a second aspect of thepresent disclosure is to ensure optimal settling of particulates bycreating a longer, more laminar flow path in the sump region 240. Oneway to create a longer, more laminar flow path may be to force theliquid to make smooth direction changes as it moves around the sumpregion 240 in the vortex. Another technique may guide the liquid awayfrom the sump outlet aperture 814 to increase the amount of time thatliquid remains in the sump region 240.

For example, once a vortex is formed in the sump region 240, one way toforce smooth direction changes and guide the liquid flow away from thesump outlet aperture 814 is to position at least one drag-inducingportion(s) 850, which projects inwardly towards the central axis,proximate a sidewall 205 of containment structure 200 in the sump region240. Proximate a sidewall 205 means proximate to or on the side wall ofthe tubular portion of the containment structure 200 in the sump region240. Projecting inwardly towards the central axis means projecting, atleast partially, towards the central axis. The drag-inducing portion(s)850 may have several effects on liquid that passes over it including:creating drag to slow the liquid flow velocities in the vortex;extending the flow path by forcing a smooth direction change; and/orguiding liquid away from the sump outlet aperture 814. The orientationand angle of the drag-inducing portion(s) 850, as will be discussed inmore detail below, may be chosen to achieve an enhanced settlingefficiency. The impact of the drag-inducing portion(s) 850 may increaseas the flow rate increases.

The drag-inducing portion(s) 850 may have a solid or hollow body, andmay displace some volume of the liquid in the sump region 240. Thus,when liquid flow passes by the body of the drag-inducing portion(s) 850,the liquid in the flow is “split” and displaced by body of thedrag-inducing portion(s) 850. As a result, a boundary layer may formalong the surface(s) of the drag-inducing portion(s) 850. The boundarylayer may result in the liquid changing in viscosity and becoming moredense (i.e., viscous diffusion). Liquid with such a change in viscosityand density may be convected downstream until the flow separates. Such asplitting of the flow path may additionally aid in the settling ofparticulates. The combination of splitting the flow and forcingdirection changes may result in particulates being knocked or fallingout of the vortex flow.

To effectively reduce the liquid flow velocity in the vortex and alterthe flow path of liquid in the sump region 240, a plurality ofdrag-inducing portions 850, which project inwardly toward the centralaxis, may be positioned proximate the sidewall 205 of containmentstructure 200 in the sump region 240. The drag-inducing portions 850 maybe attached to at least one supporting portion(s) 860, which may in turnbe attached to the sidewall 205 of the sump region 240. The wordattached may mean directly or indirectly attached, such as directlyattached to the sidewall 205 of the sump region 240, or attached to thesupporting portion 860, which are in turn attached to the sidewall 205of the sump region 240. Attached also may mean attached by an adhesiveor by means of a screw or bolt configuration (not shown). Lastly,attached may mean attached as a single formed and integrated piece.Alternatively, the plurality of drag-inducing portions 850 may bedirectly attached the sidewall 205 of the sump region 240.

The drag-inducing portion(s) 850 may comprise a substantially triangularshape. Substantially triangular may mean that the corners may berounded, or that other small variations may exist. In one embodiment,the drag-inducing portion(s) 850 may comprise an isosceles righttriangle shape. Other shapes are also possible—for example: rectangles;squares; ovals; circles; other triangles; or various other polygons. Theexposed tip of each drag-inducing portion 850 pointing at leastpartially towards the central axis of the sump region 240 may berounded.

As shown in FIGS. 8, 10 , the supporting portion(s) 860 may comprisevertical strips (e.g., generally rectangular in shape) that may bepositioned between the partitioning portion 810 and the base 210proximate the sidewall 205 of containment structure 200 in the sumpregion 240. Moreover the plurality of supporting portion(s) 860 may bespaced equidistant around a perimeter of the sump region 240. Aperimeter means proximate or on the sidewall 205 of containmentstructure 200 in the sump region 240. Alternatively, the plurality ofsupporting portion(s) 860 may be irregularly spaced around the perimeterof the sump region 240. The supporting portion(s) 860 may also comprisea different shape. For example, the drag-inducing portion(s) 850 may beattached to a circumferential supporting portion(s) 860 (e.g., a toroid)(not shown). Alternatively, the supporting portion(s) 860 could betriangular, square, oval, parallelogram, etc. and may be positionedequidistant or irregularly around the perimeter of the sump region 240.Moreover, the supporting portion(s) 860 may be attached to the sidewall205 of the sump region 240. Additionally, the supporting portion(s) 860may be integrated into the body of the containment structure 200, and/orpartitioning portion 810, and/or base 210, or they may be separatepieces that work or connect together to achieve the functions describedherein. A plurality of supporting portions 860 may be beneficial forefficient manufacture and installation.

One embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8-10 , may include a firstdrag-inducing portion 850 a, a second drag-inducing portion 850 b, and athird drag-inducing portion 850 c (collectively drag-inducing portions),each of which may project inwardly toward the central axis and may bepositioned proximate the sidewall 205 of containment structure 200 inthe sump region 240. Four sets of the drag-inducing portions 850 a, 850b, 850 c may be respectively attached to a first supporting portion 860a, a second supporting portion 860 b, a third supporting portion 860 c,and a fourth supporting portion 860 d (collectively, supportingportions), each of which may be may be positioned and/or attachedproximate the sidewall of containment structure 200 in the sump region240. The supporting portions 860 a, 860 b, 860 c, and 860 d may bepositioned equidistant around the perimeter of the sump region 240. Thevertical positioning of drag-inducing portions 850 a, 850 b, 850 c maybe generally central on each of the supporting portions 860 a, 860 b,860 c, and 860 d. Other configurations are also possible. For example,more drag-inducing portions 850 and/or supporting portions 860 may beuseful for larger diameter and/or taller sump regions 240. By contrast,fewer drag-inducing portions 850 and/or supporting portions 860 may beuseful for smaller diameter and/or shorter sump regions 240.Additionally, the group of drag-inducing portions 850 a, 850 b, 850 cmay be positioned more towards the top or bottom on each of thesupporting portions 860 a, 860 b, 860 c, and 860 d.

In one embodiment supporting portions 860 a and 860 c, may have adifferent configuration of drag-inducing portions 850 a, 850 b, 850 c,than supporting portions 860 b and 860 d. In such an embodiment, thesupporting portions 860 a and 860 c may face each other and have a firstconfiguration and orientation of drag-inducing portions 850 a, 850 b,850 c. By contrast, the supporting portions 860 b and 860 d may stillface each other, but they may comprise a second, different configurationand/or orientation of drag-inducing portions 850 a, 850 b, 850 c.

FIGS. 11 and 12 , show example embodiments of drag-inducing portions 850(including a first drag-inducing portion 850 a, a second drag-inducingportion 850 b, and a third drag-inducing portion 850 c) made from asingle piece of heavy gauge steel sheet. For example, as shown in FIGS.13 and 14 , the heavy gauge steel sheet may be cut into a pattern blank500 having a spine 501 and one or more arms 503. The pattern blank 500shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 is an example embodiment, and the presentdisclosure contemplates other patterns as well. For example, instead ofhaving a triangular arms 503, the pattern could be rounded, rectangular,or any other shape. The pattern blank 500 may include a spine 501. Thespine 501, may be a generally rectangular central portion of the patternblank 500 from which one or more arms 503 extend. The pattern blank 500may also include one or more inner bending lines 502 (shown in dashedline), positioned proximately on either side of the spine 501. Thepattern blank may also include one or more outer bending lines 502(shown in dashed line) positioned distally from the spine 501 on one ormore of the arms 503.

In one embodiment, the example plurality of drag-inducing portions 850as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the arm(s) 503 of the example patternblank 500 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 may be bent to form one or moredrag-inducing portions 850. Specifically, the pattern blank 500 of FIGS.13 and 14 may be shaped into the drag-inducing portions 850 of FIGS. 11and 12 by bending the arms 503 along the inner bending lines 502 andouter bending lines 504. Traditional metal bending techniques, forexample using a metal press, may be used to bend the pattern blank 500.

For example, the pattern blank 500 may be bent along the inner bendingline(s) 502 to form inner bend(s) 852 and inner arm portion 853. Theangle of the inner bend 852 may vary with the diameter of thecylindrical containment structure 200 to ensure that the drag-inducingportion 850 does not interfere with the sidewall 205 of the containmentstructure when attached to the supporting portion 860. For example, insome embodiments, the inner bend 852 may have an angle of between 0 and45 degrees. In one embodiment, the pattern blank 500 has a first innerbending line 502 a and a second inner bending line 502 b on either sideof spine 501 and is bent twice to form a first inner bend 852 a and asecond inner bend 852 b on either side of spine 851. In such anembodiment, the first inner bend 852 a and second inner bend 852 b mayform one or more inner arm portion(s) 853. For example, a first innerarm portion 853 a, a second inner arm portion 853 b, and a third innerarm portion 853 c. More or less inner arm portions 853 are alsopossible.

Likewise, the pattern blank 500 may be bent along the outer bendingline(s) 504 to form outer bend(s) 854 and outer arm portions 855. Theangle of the outer bend 854 may also vary with the diameter of thecylindrical containment structure 200 to ensure that the drag-inducingportion(s) are projecting towards a central axis. For example, in someembodiments, the outer bend 852 may have an angle of between 0 and 135degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle of the outer bend 852 maybe between 70 and 110 degrees. In one embodiment, the pattern blank 500has a first outer bending line 504 a, a second outer bending line 504 b,and a third outer bending line 504 c located respectively on inner armportions 852 a, 853 b, and 853 c. In such an embodiment, first outerbending line 504 a, a second outer bending line 504 b, and a third outerbending line 504 c may be bent to form one or more outer arm portion(s)855. For example, a first outer arm portion 855 a, a second outer armportion 855 b, and a third outer arm portion 855 c.

In the example described above, the first drag-inducing portion 550 amay be formed of, and include the first inner bend 852 a, the firstinner arm portion 853 a, the first outer bend 854 a, and the first outerarm portion 855 a. Likewise, the second drag-inducing portion 550 b maybe formed of, and include the second inner bend 852 b, the second innerarm portion 853 b, the second outer bend 854 b, and the second outer armportion 855 b. Likewise, the third drag-inducing portion 550 c may beformed of, and include the third inner bend 852 c, the third inner armportion 853 c, the third outer bend 854 c, and the third outer armportion 855 c.

In such an example, drag-inducing portions 850 a, 850 b, 850 c may beequidistantly vertically positioned along a primary axial dimension. Thedrag-inducing portions 850 a, 850 b, 850 c may also be irregularlyvertically positioned along a primary axial dimension. The drag-inducingportions 850 a, 850 b, 850 c may each be oriented generally upwardly(e.g., having a positive slope). The first drag-inducing portion 850(a)and the third drag-inducing portion 850(c) may be oriented in the samedirection. For example, the first drag-inducing portion 850(a) and thethird drag-inducing portion 850(c) may each be angled 60 degrees from ahorizontal plane. The second drag-inducing portion 850(b) may have amirrored orientation from the first drag-inducing portion 850(a) and thethird drag-inducing portion 850(c). The second drag-inducing portion850(b) may be angled 120 degrees from a horizontal plane. Smaller orlarger positive angles are also possible for the orientation of thedrag-inducing portions 850 a, 850 b, 850 c in the first configuration.

In the second configuration, drag-inducing portions 850 a, 850 b, 850 cmay each be equidistantly vertically positioned along a primary axialdimension. The drag-inducing portions 850 a, 850 b, 850 c may also beirregularly vertically positioned along a primary axial dimension. Thedrag-inducing portions 850 a, 850 b, 850 c may each be orientedgenerally downwardly (e.g., having a negative slope as compared to thosedrag-inducing portions in the first configuration). The firstdrag-inducing portion 850(a) and the third drag-inducing portion 850(c)may be oriented in the same direction. For example, the firstdrag-inducing portion 850(a) and the third drag-inducing portion 850(c)may each be angled −60 degrees from a horizontal plane. The seconddrag-inducing portion 850(b) may have a mirrored orientation from thefirst drag-inducing portion 850(a) and the third drag-inducing portion850(c). The second drag-inducing portion 850(b) may be angled −120degrees from a horizontal plane. Smaller or larger negative angles arealso possible for the orientation of the drag-inducing portions 850 a,850 b, 850 c in the second configuration.

The drag-inducing portions 850 a, 850 b, 850 c in the firstconfiguration (type 1) may be respectively vertically offset from thedrag-inducing portions 850 a, 850 b, 850 c in the second configuration(type 2) along a primary axial dimension as shown in FIG. 12 . In oneembodiment the second drag-inducing portion 850 b of each the firstsupporting portion 860 a and third supporting portion 860 c may belocated at the same or substantially the same vertical position along aprimary axial dimension as the first drag-inducing portion 850 a of eachthe second supporting portion 860 b and fourth supporting portion 860 d.Likewise, the third drag-inducing portion 850 c of each the firstsupporting portion 860 a and third supporting portion 860 c may belocated at the same or substantially the same vertical position along aprimary axial dimension as the second drag-inducing portion 850 b ofeach the second supporting portion 860 b and fourth supporting portion860 d. During installation of the drag-inducing portions 850, thedrag-inducing portions 850 may include visual markings to determine inwhich of the above configurations (type 1 or type 2) the individualdrag-inducing portions 850 are to be installed.

Such an offset positioning of drag-inducing portions 850 a, 850 b, 850 cbetween supporting portions 860 a, 860 b, 860 c, and 860 d may assistingin extending the length of the liquid flow path. For example, if theflow path is forced upward by the third drag-inducing portion 850 c ofthe second supporting portion 860 b or fourth supporting portion 860 d,it may subsequently be forced downward by the third drag-inducingportion 850 c of the first supporting portion 860 a or fourth supportingportion 860 c once the flow reaches there.

The angular position of the drag-inducing portions 850 a, 850 b, 850 cmay be based off the principles of Stoke's Law and “inclined platesettling” techniques. For example, in the embodiment in which thedrag-inducing portions are positioned at a positive or negative 60degree angle, the positioning of the drag-inducing portions 850 may helpfacilitate particulate settling. As previously discussed, particulatesettling may be facilitated by increasing the length of the flow path,reducing the vortex velocities, and reducing the settling distance bydirecting relatively smooth, laminar flow towards the bottom of the sumpregion. An angular positioning of 60 degrees may also allow particulatesto slide down the drag-inducing portion(s) 850 and fall to the bottom ofthe sump region. A higher degree angle may decrease the settlingefficiency, while an angle less than 45 degrees may lead to particulateaccumulation on the drag-inducing portions.

The size and orientation of the drag-inducing portions 850 may be chosenin assistance with the following equations:

${t = \frac{w}{\nu cos\theta}}{L = \frac{w\left( {V - {v\;\sin\;\theta}} \right)}{v\;\cos\;\theta}}$Where: w is the settling distance from the inlet orifice to the bottomof the sump region;v is the settling velocity, in/s;θ is the angle of the containment structure from horizontal; andL is the length of the drag-inducing portions

$\frac{{du}_{p}}{dt} = {{F_{D}\left( {u - u_{p}} \right)} + \frac{{g_{x}\left( {\rho_{p} - \rho} \right)}x^{2}}{\rho_{p}} + F_{x}}$$F_{D} = {\frac{18u}{\rho_{p}d_{p}^{2}}\frac{C_{D}R_{p}}{24}}$$R_{p} = \frac{\rho\; d_{p}{{u_{p} - u}}}{u}$$C_{d} = \frac{24}{R_{p}}$Where: u_(p) is the particle velocity;u is the fluid velocity;ρ is the fluid density;ρ_(p) is the particle density;g_(x) is the gravity,x and F_(x) are additional forces such as body forces and forces due topressure gradients; andF_(D) is the drag force being composed of the liquid molecular viscosityμ, the particle diameter d_(ρ), the Reynolds number of the particleR_(ρ) and the drag coefficient C_(d).

The pattern blank 500 may also include one or more t-shaped patterns 501cut in, or protruding from, the blank 500. One example may include threet-shaped patterns 506 integrally formed with the spine 501. In such anembodiment, both ends of the spine 501 may extend into a t-shapedpattern 506. Further, the third t-shaped pattern 506 may be cut into thespine 501 at a central position. Finally, the pattern blank 500 mayinclude one or more aperture 507 cut at predetermined positions alongthe spine 501. One example may include cutting three apertures 507 intothe spine 501, in which the apertures 507 are equidistantly verticallypositioned along a primary axial dimension. The one or more t-shapedpattern(s) 506 may be bent in an opposite direction than the inner bend852 or outer bend 854 to form t-shaped connecting portion(s) 856. In onexample, the t-shaped pattern 506 is bent between 80 and 100 degrees. Ina preferred embodiment, the t-shaped pattern 506 is bent 90 degrees sothat the resulting t-shaped connecting portion 856 extends perpendicularto the spine 581.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show example drag-inducing portions 850 attached to asupporting portion 860. In one example, the supporting portion 860includes a lower supporting portion 861 and an upper supporting portion862. The lower supporting portion 861 and the upper supporting portion862 may be a u-shaped rail. Other types of rails are also possible. Thelower supporting portion 861 and the upper supporting portion 862 may beconnected in a variety of ways including through use of fasteners, taperfit, interference fit, or friction fit. The lower supporting portion 861and the upper supporting portion 862 may be shaped to allow thedrag-inducing portion 850 to slide down the interior of the rail via thet-shaped connecting portion 856. The lower supporting portion 861 mayalso include one or more stopping portion(s) 864 (i.e., a positioningtab cut into lower supporting portion 861). The stopping portion(s) 864may be spaced along a rear surface of the lower supporting portion 861.The stopping portion(s) 864 may be bent inwards into an interior of thelower connecting portion 861 to engage with (i.e., provide a shelf andpositioning point) the drag-inducing portion via the lowest t-shapedconnecting portion 856. The upper supporting portion 862 may include oneor more locking portion(s) 865 (i.e., a locking tab cut into the uppersupporting portion 862). The locking portions 865 may be spaced along arear surface of the upper supporting portion 862. The locking portion(s)865 may be slightly bent inwards into the interior of the uppersupporting portion 862. In one embodiment, when the drag-inducingportion 850 is slid down the upper supporting portion 862 via thet-shaped connecting portion(s) 856, the locking portion(s) act as aspring and get pushed out of the way as the t-shaped connecting portion856 passes. Once the t-shaped connecting portion 856 has passed, thelocking portion 865 springs back into its original position effectivelypreventing the t-shaped connecting portion 856 from sliding back out ofthe upper supporting portion 862.

In the embodiment above, once the drag-inducing portion 850 is slid intothe predetermined position (as set by the stopping portion 864) of thesupporting portion 860, the drag-inducing portion may be effectivelylocked into place by the locking portion 865 (i.e., cannot be removedwithout deforming the locking portion 865). Additionally, thedrag-inducing portion 850 may be further secured to the supportingportion 860 by conventional fastening techniques such as using acombination of bolts, washers, lock washers, and or luck nuts via theapertures 507.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating example steps for installing aliquid quality system 800 including a liquid quality device 801 and atleast one drag-inducing assembly 802 into a containment structure 200,wherein the at least one drag-inducing assembly 802 includes at leastone supporting portion 860 and at least one drag-inducing portion 850,wherein when the liquid quality device 801 is installed a sump 240region is formed below. Referring to FIG. 17 , the example steps startat step 601. At step 602, at least one supporting portion 860 is mountedonto a sidewall 205 of the containment structure 200 at least partiallyin the sump region 240. At step 603, at least one drag-inducing portion850 is attached to the at least one supporting portion 860. At step 604,a liquid quality device 801 is mounted in the containment structure 200.The example steps may proceed to the end step 605. It is to beunderstood that the present disclosure is not limited the specific orderof steps 601 to 605—other orders are possible. Steps may also beperformed in parallel.

At step 602, for example as shown in FIGS. 18-20 , at least onesupporting portion 860 is mounted onto a sidewall 205 of the containmentstructure 200 (the containment structure 200 in FIGS. 28-23 is shown astransparent so that the internal components may be visible) at leastpartially in the sump region 240. The terms “mount” our “mounted” mayrefer to being fastened, attached, affixed, or secured to preventmovement between the part being mounted and the object to which the partis mounted. This may be done using conventional fasteners such asscrews, bolts, nuts, or otherwise to secure one or more parts.Alternatively, mounted may mean being secured by means of an adhesive.Step 602 may include determining the location of the inlet 220 andoutlet 240 of the containment structure 200 and marking the containmentstructure 200 with one or more vertical center lines (not shown). Forexample, in one embodiment four vertical centerlines (not shown) wouldbe marked in the containment structure 200 to indicate the positions offour supporting portions 860. The step may further include indicatingwhich type of drag-inducing portion 850 is to be installed on eachsupporting portion 860. For example, the drag-inducing portion 850, asdiscussed above, may be marked with letters indicating the whether it isa type 1 or type 2 drag-inducing portion 850. The supporting portion 860may also be unique to the type of drag-inducing portion 850 that is tobe attached to the supporting portion 860. Likewise, the supportingportion 860, may be marked to indicate with which type of drag-inducingportion 850 it is to be assembled. As discussed above, the supportingportions 860 (including lower supporting portion 861 and uppersupporting portion 862) may include different locations of stoppingportions 864 and locking portions 865 depending on the type ofdrag-inducing portion 860 that is to be installed. Alternatively, eachof the drag-inducing portions 850 and supporting portions 860 may be thesame.

In one example, four supporting portions 860, including a lowersupporting portion 861 and an upper supporting portion 862 are installedin the containment structure 200. In such an example, the lowersupporting portions 861 may be installed first by aligning the lowersupporting portions 861 with the marked centerlines in the supportingstructure 200. Such an example may further include positioning a lowerregion of the lower supporting porting on to the base 210 (i.e., thebottom of the lower supporting portion rests on the base 210 of thecontainment structure 200). The step 602 may further include checkingthat the lower supporting portions 861 are plumb vertical, making anynecessary adjustments, and marking the location of the apertures 867 onthe sidewall 205 of the containment structure 200. The step may furtherinclude removing the lower supporting portions 861 and drilling into thesidewall 205 of the containment structure 200 at the marked location ofthe apertures 867. In one example a Tapcon 3/16″ drill bit may be usedto drill the holes. The step may also include re-positioning the lowersupporting portions 861 at the marked centerlines and mounting the lowersupporting portions 861 to the sidewall 205 via a fastener 863, such asscrews, bolts, nuts, or otherwise. In one embodiment. Tapcon screws maybe screwed into the pre-drilled holes, securing the lower supportingportions 861 to the sidewall 205 of the containment structure.

The upper supporting portions 862 may be installed in a similar manneras the lower supporting portions 861. The step may include positioningand mounting a lower region of the upper supporting portion 862 onto theupper region of the lower supporting portion 861 (i.e., the bottom ofthe upper supporting portion 862 may be configured to engage with thetop of the lower supporting portion 861 via, for example with aninterference fit, friction fit, taper fit, or some other type ofmounting application). The step may further include checking that theupper supporting portion 862 is plumb vertical once the upper supportingportion 862 is mounted to the lower supporting portion 861, making anynecessary adjustments, and marking the location of the apertures 867 onthe sidewall 205 of the containment structure 200. The step may furtherinclude removing the upper supporting portions 862 and drilling thesidewall 205 of the containment structure 200 at the marked location ofthe apertures 867. The step may also include re-positioning the uppersupporting portions 862 at the marked centerlines and mounting the uppersupporting portions 862 to the sidewall 205 via a fastener 863, such asscrews, bolts, nuts, or otherwise.

At step 603, for example as shown in FIG. 21 , at least onedrag-inducing portion 850 is attached to the at least one supportingportion 860. As discussed in detail above, the step may include slidingthe drag-inducing portion 850 down the supporting portion 860 (in oneexample, the combined lower supporting portion 861 and upper supportingportion 862) via the T-shaped connecting portion(s) 856. Thedrag-inducing portion 850 may include markings indicating the directionit is to be installed. This step may include first positioning andengaging the lowest of the t-shaped connecting portions 856 at the anopening at the upper region of the upper supporting portion 862 (i.e.,the open upper end of the u-shaped rail), and sliding drag-inducingportion 850 down the upper supporting portion 862 until a second andthird t-shaped connecting portions 856 engage with the upper region ofthe upper supporting portion 862. More or less t-shaped connectingportions 856 are also contemplated. Once all t-shaped connectingportions 856 are engaged with the upper supporting portion 862, theentire drag-inducing portion 850 can be slid down the upper supportingportion 862, past any locking portions 865, onto the lower supportingportion, until the lowest of the t-shaped connecting portions 856engages with the stopping portion 864 of the lower supporting portion861 (i.e., the t-shaped connecting portion 856 hits the bent-in stoppingportion 864, thereby preventing the drag-inducing portion from slidingany further down the lower supporting portion). Once the drag-inducingportion 850 is positioned via the stopping portion 864, one or morelocking portions 855 my prevent the drag-inducing portion 850 fromsliding back upwards out of the supporting portion 860 by interferingwith the t-shaped connecting portions 856. The step may also includefurther mounting the drag-inducing portion 850 to the supporting portion860 with a fastener (not shown) such as bolts, washers, lock washers,and or luck nuts via the apertures 507.

At step 604, for example as shown in FIGS. 22-23 , a liquid qualitydevice 801 is mounted in the containment structure 200. The step mayinclude mounting a cap 866 to the upper region of the upper supportingportion 862 (i.e., the cap may be configured to engage with the top ofthe upper supporting portion 862 via, for example with an interferencefit, friction fit, taper fit, or some other type of mountingapplication). The cap 866 may include a flange 868. In the exampleincluding four supporting portions 860, four caps 866 each having aflange 868 are mounted to respective supporting portions 860. Theflanges 868 may effectively provide a shelf for the liquid qualitydevice 801 to sit on. The step may further including positioning theliquid quality device 801 onto the flanges 868 and checking that thesump inlet aperture 812 is on the same side of the containment structure200 as the inlet 230, and that the sump outlet aperture 814 is on thesame side of the containment structure 200 as the outlet 230. Once theliquid quality device 801 is installed, a sump region 240 may be formedbelow in the containment structure 200. Finally, the step may includeapplying an adhesive (not shown) around a perimeter of the partitioningportion 810 of the liquid quality device 801 to mount the liquid qualitydevice 801 to the containment structure 200 and one or moredrag-inducing assemblies 802 via the flange 868. The term adhesive caninclude any type of glue, epoxy, resin, concrete, or other. In oneexample conseal may be wedged between the perimeter of the partitioningportion 810 of the liquid quality device 801 and the sidewall 205 of thecontainment structure 200 creating a seal to the sump region 240 formedbelow the liquid quality device 801.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changesmay be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing fromthe scope of the novel techniques disclosed in this application. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the novel techniques without departingfrom its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the novel techniques notbe limited to the particular techniques disclosed, but that they willinclude all techniques falling within the scope of the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for installing a liquid qualitysystem into a containment structure, wherein the liquid quality systemincludes a liquid quality device and at least one drag-inducingassembly, the at least one drag-inducing assembly having at least onesupporting portion and at least one drag-inducing portion, the at leastone supporting portion having a lower region and an upper region, themethod comprising: forming a sump region; mounting, at least partiallyin the sump region, the at least one supporting portion onto a sidewallof the containment structure; attaching the at least one drag-inducingportion to the at least one supporting portion; mounting the liquidquality device in the containment structure, attaching a cap including aflange to an upper region of the supporting portion; and positioning theliquid quality device onto the flange.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising applying adhesive to secure the liquid quality device to thesidewall of the containment structure and the drag-inducing assembly. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one drag-inducing portioncomprises metal.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the at least onedrag-inducing portion comprises a plurality of drag-inducing portionsconstructed from a single piece of sheet metal.
 5. The method of claim4, further comprising: cutting the piece of sheet metal into a patterncomprising a plurality of arms; and bending each of the plurality ofarms to form a plurality of drag-inducing portions.
 6. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the plurality of drag-inducing portions comprises aninner bend, an inner arm portion, an outer bend, and an outer armportion, wherein the inner bend and inner arm portion are proximate to aspine portion, and the outer bend and outer arm portion are distal fromthe spine portion.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the curvature ofthe inner bend varies based on the shape of the containment structure.8. The method of claim 6, wherein the curvature of the outer bend variesbased on the shape of the containment structure, thereby projecting theplurality of drag-inducing portions towards a central axis of thecontainment structure.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein attaching theat least one drag-inducing portion to the at least one supportingportion further comprises sliding the at least one drag-inducing portionalong the supporting portion until the at least one drag-inducingportion contacts a stopping portion and is locked in place by a lockingportion, thereby placing the at least one drag-inducing portion into apredetermined position.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein positioningthe liquid quality device includes applying a sealant between aperimeter of the liquid quality device and a sidewall of the containmentstructure.